Cargo-bracing structure



Sept. 11, 1951 G. D. STOUGH CARGO-BRACING STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 18, 1948 I N VEN TOR. BYGf/FALO 0. 57006 azz MAM p 1951 G. D. STOUGH 2,567,658

CARGO BRAC ING STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 18, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. GERALD 0. 5700614 ATTOR/VfKS Patented Sept. 11, 1951 Gerald D. Stough, Detroit, Mich ass'ignor: to Whitehead & Kales Company, River-Rouge, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application October 18, 1948, SerialNo. 55,198

26 Claims.

, The present invention-relates to crossbar structure and more particularly-to crossbars or cargo braces designed to extend between and interconnect perforated panels provided along the opposite sidesof freight cars, trucks or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide crossbar structure of the character described which, interlocks with but permits a certain amount of relative movement with respect to the perforated panel structure where relative movement results from motion of the vehicle.

g It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved crossbar structure characterized by its simplicity, the economy with which it maybe manufactured and its efficiency in use. l g

' .It is a .feature ofithe present invention to provide crossbar structure comprising a bar having an elongated hook bolt carried at the .endthereof whichis mounted :for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the crossbar and 'for vertical rocking movement :during engagement with the'per'io'rated panel.

Itis a further feature of the present invention to provide a crossbar of the character described comprising releasable 'latchmean's for retaining a-h'ook bolt "in horizontal-1y extended position while at the same time permitting longitudinal sliding movement thereof.

' Otherobiiectsand ieaturesiof the' inventionwlll become apparent "as the description "proceeds; "especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: a Figure 1 is a fragmentary"perspective view showing an :end of sa crossbar secured "to a per- 2 iorate'd wallstructure I Figure 2 is a plan view of the endoi the crossbar showing the panel structureainsection;.

H Figure 13 is "a section on the line :3.-.3, Figure. :2; Figure 4 is .a sectionon the ,line i l- 4:, Figure 3:; Figure 5 is atsecti'on on the line :5-5., Figure 3;

and

;.Fig=u=re ,6 is a'section on the line-6&5, Figure 4. .t Reierr-ing. now to the drawings, the crossbar designated generally at In is designed to extend between and interconnect confronting panels H which are provided with a multiplicity of open- Tings 01 perforation-s l 2 adapted, to receive appropriately shaped hook bolts carried by the crossbar. Ill. .Thescrossbars are useful in supporting freight and they are adapted ,-to be rigidly interlocked between the panels I l so as to support lateral-or vertical thrust. When @the plates H are provided at opposite sides of the freight cars, trucks orthe like it is impossible to avoid a certaina-mount of relative motion between the (panels which lresults from the motion of the vehicle. In the past, crossbars of this general type hate been provided in which no provision was made for permittin limited relative-approach and-separation between the confronting panels. Accordingly, -the hooks which were provided at the ends of :the crossbars were subjected to heavy stresses which in many cases sheared the pins on which the hooks were mounted.

In the present case the crossbar comprises a generally Z-shaped metal bar 13 having .afhor-izonta-l web 14. The web M at its end is provided with .aninward-lyextendin-g slot L5 in which'the (locking-hook bolt 4 671s movable. A transverse flat [metal plate 18 is .--secured to the fend of the bar l 3 and is provided with a downwardly opening slot '20 in which the sha-nk 22 of the hook bolt -16 is vertically movable. Preferably theslot 20 is pro- 'vided by-cutting outta flange '2 5 ,irom the material of the :plate 18 and bending theflange 25-rearwardly, as best illustratedin Figure 3.

g The housing plate :21-of -U shaped'crossisection is secured to the inner surface of the plate 18. The housing plate includes side portions 28 which lie along thesides of "the flange 25 and an inher portion 29, the top edge of which is located beneath @andin-warclly -from the inner "end of the flange 2:5. The housing plate 2 1 and thew-flange 25 together provide a. housing, for the ,hookbolt [B which isopenat the ended the bar and at the underside of the bar and which also is provided with an opening between the upper edge of the housing-portion 2 9 and the inner edge of the flange 25 t The hookobolt l-Bis provided with a shank 22 of generally square cross section and has apair of interlocking elements 30 shaped to enter the openings 12 in the panel and to interlock therewith-so as to retain the bar in its predetermined position. At the inner end the-shank 22 isprovided with a shoulder .32 which is adapted to engage the inner; surface oi the inner portion 29 of the housing plate so as tol-imit outward movemerit of the hook'bolt l6 relative to the bar. .In addition, the upper surface of the shank 22 is provided with a finger 31 which forms an abutment effective to engage the. inner end of the flange 25 so as to limit downward rocking moroment of the hookibolt J6 substantially to the .position illustrated vin dotted lines .in Figure '3.

'At the inner side of the end plate 18 there are .provided a pair of hook-shaiped latch members .36 and ,31. ,As illustratedin'Figure 4,'th'ese members are mounted for rocking movement about pivot pins 38 extending from the inner side of the end plate I8. A compression spring 40 engages under an arm II extending from the lever 36 and biases the lever toward the full line or locking position illustrated in Figure 4. The lever 31 is provided with a finger 43 which engages the finger 4i so that the compression spring 40 is effective to bias both levers 36-and 31 toward latching position. The finger 43 has an extension 45, as best seen in Figure l, to facilitate manual release of the latch members. The lower portion of the latch members have inwardly extending hook portions 41 which are adapted to pass through openings 48 provided in the side portions 28 of the housing plate 27 and to underlie the shank 22 of the hook bolt I6. It will be apparent that pressure applied to the projection 45 of the latching member 31 will effect simultaneous release of the latch members 36 and 31.

When the latch members 36 and 37 are released, the weight of the hook I 6 causes the same to rock downwardly substantially to the dotted line position illustrated in Figure 3. Further downward movement of the hook is prevented by the engagement between the shoulder 32, the finger 34 and the cooperating surfaces of the housin member 21 and the flange 25. At this time the interlocking elements 3|] are located below and do not project substantially beyond the end of the bar structure. The bar may be moved to a position somewhat above the position which it is to occupy in use and the interlocking elements 30 may be moved outwardly to enter the openings I2 in the panel. Obviously, of course, the interlocking elements 30 at one end of the panel will be introduced first and thereafter the interlocking elements at the opposite end of the bar will be introduced. A the weight of the bar is permitted to come upon the hooks I6 it will cause the hooks to rock upwardly toward the full line position illustrated in Figure 3. This rocking motion is limited byengagement between the upper surface of the hook bolt I6 and the under surface of the flange 25. The weight of the bar thus retains the hook bolt I6 in the fullline position, upward force being applied to the hook by the end portion 29 of the housing plate 21 and the underside of the opening I 2 in the panel, the weight of the bar being transmitted to the hook through the flange 25. At thi time andas the hook bolt I6 is rocked upward to the full line position shown in Figure 3, the latching members 36 and'3'I are automatically caused to engage at the underside of the shank 22 of the hook bolt, thereby retaining the hook bolt firmly against further rocking movement until subsequently re- "leased by manipulation of the finger 45. How- "ever', latch members 36 and 3! permit continued longitudinal sliding movement of the hook bolt I6 relative to the bar so that no strain is placed upon the element of the bar structure by relative approach and separation between the confronting aperturedpanels II. At the same time the hook bolt I6 is firmly interlocked with the panels, since it will be observed that the upper ends of the interlocking elements 30 are located :above the top of the openings I2.

When it isdesired to release the crossbar structure it is only necessary to press down upon the finger 45, thereby releasing both of the latch members 36 and 31, thus permitting relative downwardswinging movement of the hook bolt I6. This is accomplished by raisin the end of the .crossbar structure, which will force the hook bolt'lfi to rock downwardly and will cause the 4 shaped end portion thereof to be withdrawn from the opening in the panel.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description of the improved crossbar structure in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A cargo brace adapted to extend between and be anchored within a pair of aligned openings provided in spaced apart walls, including an elongated bar, means at opposite ends of said bar engageable in said openings comprising a support element, a fixed pivot support mounted on said bar inwardly of the adjacent end of said bar and underlying said element, said element being supported thereby for both sliding movement longitudinally of said bar with respect to said pivot support and pivotal movement about said pivot support, an abutment above said support element located intermediate said pivotsupport and the adjacent end of said bar to limit upward swinging of said support element, said support element being movable between a supporting position and a retracted position relative to an opening in one of said walls, said element having a hook shaped portion adapted when said element is in supporting position to project through and extend laterally beyond an edge of an opening in one of said walls, and a latch carried by said bar and engageable with said element for retaining said bar and element in supporting position.

2. A cargo brace adapted to extend between and be anchored within a pair of aligned openings provided in spaced apart walls, including an elongated bar, means at opposite ends of said bar engageable in said openings comprising a support element, a fixed pivot support mounted on said bar inwardly of the adjacent end of said bar and underlying said element, said element being supported thereby for both sliding movement longitudinally of said barwith respect to said pivot support and pivotal movement about said pivot support, an abutment above said support element located intermediate said pivot support and the adjacent end of said bar to limit upward swinging of said support element, said support element being movable between a supporting position and a retracted position relative to an opening in one of said walls, said element having a hook shaped portion adapted when said element is in supporting position to project through and extend laterally beyond an edge of an opening in one of said walls, and a spring pressed latch carried by said bar and engageable with said element for retaining said bar and element in supporting position.

3. An elongated cargo brace adapted to extend between and be detachably secured in selected openings in opposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with an element having a hook shaped end portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, a fixed pivot support mounted on said bar inwardly of the adjacent end of said bar and underlying said element, said element being supported thereby for both sliding movement longitudinally of said bar with respect to said pivot support and pivotal movement about said pivot support, an abutment above said support element located interpivot-support and pivotal pivot support, an abutment above said support mediate said pivot support and. the end wt said her, iandfsaid bar beingaalso provided adjacent eachxioi :said 7 elements with a ipivotedi. latch cfor latching engagement with the element adjacent thereto- 'to .hold said bar :in anchored and :sup-

relation 'withzrespectito .said-iopposed walls.

4. elongated cargo :brace adapted to ex: tend between land he detachablytsecured in :selected openings in opposed walls of :a vehicle, including -anelongated bar provided at each end 1thereof with means adapted to be .inserted in an opening in one ofisaid'walls toranchor and-support said bar relative to said walls, the means lltmne end of said bar being an elongatedelement afixed pivot support mounted on said inwardly lofwthe-adjacent end of said bar and underlying said element, said element "he- 'ingvsupportedthereby Lior both slidingzmoyement longitudinally of said bar with respect to said pivot supportzand pivotal ".movement about :said pivot support, :an abutment above said asupporzt element Ll'ocated intermediate said pivot supand the adjacent end .of .said bar, ,said support element having'ahookishapedzportioniadapted to project throughrandiaextendlaterally beyond an edge -of an openingin one of said walls, and a movable latch-carried byl-said bar for latching "engagement with said element to hold said bar in anchored and supported relation to said opposed walls.

5. elongated cargo brace adapted to extend between and be :detachably secured in selected openings in opposed walls, of a vehicle, including anelongated-barprovided at eachend thereof with an elongated element having .a hook shaped'portion adapted'to be inserted inancopening-iin one of said walls toanchor and support theibar relative torsaid walls, a'fixed pivot supmountedon said bar inwardly of the :adjacen-t end of said bar and underlyingsaid element, =said element being supported thereby :ior both sliding movement longitudinally of said bar with respect to said pivot-support and .pivotal movement aboutsaid'ipivot support, an abutm'ent above said support element locatedintermediate said pivot support and the adjacentend ofsaid bar, means cooperating with said ele- 'ments to hold said bar in anchored andsupportedrelation to said opposed walls, including spring biased movable latches carried by said bar adjacent the ends thereof andengageable respectively with said elements.

6. An elongated cargo brace adaptedto ex- "tendbe'tween and b'e detachably'secured inse- "lectedopenings in opposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongatedbar provided at each-end thereof with means adapted to be inserted in an "opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, themeans at one end of said bar being an elongated'eleinent, a fixed pivot support mounted on said -bar inwardly of the adjacent end of saidbar and underlying said element, said element'bein'g supported thereby for both sliding movement longitudinally of said'bar with respect 'to said movement about said element located intermediate said pivot sup- .port and the adjacent end of said bar,,said sup- ,vport-element having a hook shaped end portion adapted to project through and extend-laterally beyond'an edge of anopening in one of said walls, and :amovable latclrcarried by said barfor latch- ;inga-enga'gement with :saidcelement to holds'aid inward from bar ain anchored and-supported relation rte :said opposed walls. elongatedveargo :brace adapted .ito' ex;- tend between and :lbe detachablyisecured :in :selected "openings in-iopposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar iprovided :at ieachwend thereof withmeansadapted to he insertedsin opening throne of said "walls to anchor and support said :bar :relative to said walls. the means at :one :end of said bar :oonsisting of a single 819! gated element, a fixed ipiVQt support mounted on said sbar inwardly of the adjacent .end ofc said bar and underlying said element, said element being supported thereby in both sliding movement .:longitudinallyof said her with respects said pivot support -:and pivotal :movement about said pivot support, an abutment aa'bove rsaid rsupportwelem'ent zlocatedcintermediate said pivots'support and the adj acent endiof said 'ebar, said-sup port element having ea portion shaped tummject through and extend-laterally beyond anzedge of an opening :in one of said walls, and means cooperating withrsaid element to hold said bar in anchored .andsupported relation :to said-opposed walls, including-a movable latch-icarriedbyssaid bar for latching engagement with :said element. :8. A :load -;secu-ring EOI'OSSbfll :for interlocking engagement with la :periorated :side ;plate xoisa freight car or the like, comprisingyanlelongated bar having a bolt :mountedaon r;and.secured'to an end portion thereof ato aextend .longitudma lly with :freedom :ifor :limlted longitudinal movement relative zthereto .and;also wireedom 1for angular movement in one iplane :only, .a support element. a dixed lpivot support :mounted 1011 :said :bar :inwardly iof the end 'iOf :said abar and underlying said bolt. said bolt being-supported'thereby'sfor both :sliding imovement longitudinally of said bar with respect :to :said pivot support and ipivotal'movement about said-ipivotsupportsamahntment above saidbolt :located intermediate :said pivot support and -the adjacent end ofssaid bar, a hook on the-:outer endzofzisaidlbolt adapted in an angular positionthereofiior insertion through a perforation in saidsside plate and tior nprevente 'ing disengagement "therefrom zinithe noneangular position 0f the :bolt, and means ion iSfli-d baiiIf'OY restraining saidlboltffrom angular movement.

9. The constructiono'f claim 8.:in:w-hich ailatch member-dorms therestrainingsmeans:fonsaidabolt automatically engaging therewith when moved into Lnon-iangular 'zposition.

iii). The ceonstruction of claim -8 in which 2a pair of pivotalzlatch members on opposite. sides :of :said .bolt form the restraining means there:- ior, automatically engageable therewith upon movement Irom angular to non-angular posiition. ill. The :construction ias in claim .10 provided at "the upper endzof said latch members with means Safer simultaneously moving the same to :reiease the bolt.

12. i-A load :securing -.-crossbar -for freight -.cars and the like havmg aarperforatedgiplate at'zone side zthereof :comprising :a :bar "having anwend bearingportion ipresenting spaced side races, ea top face and -.a :bottom 'fa'oe :spaced :below and ::the iinnermenduof said top fface. said :bearing :being :open at itszouterendeand also :at Jthe bottom i outward from :said bottom .face, land a ibolt extending ibetween :said side :faces :belowrsaid topxface :and above :said-zbottorn face, said =bolt ihaving ran upturned. hook (at "its #outer: enda and-a detent-at:itsinneriend thei lat- T ter. preventing outward w'thdrawal from between said top and bottom faces while permitting downward angular movement between said side'faces to a position in which said hook is withdrawn within the length of said bar and is insertable through a perforation of said plate, and means automatically engaging said bolt when moved into non-angular position for restraining angular movement thereof while permitting. a limited longitudinal movement, said hook in this position of the bolt interlocking withsaid perforated plate to prevent withdrawal of the bolt therefrom.

13. A load securing crossbar for the purpose described comprising a metallic beam having a horizontal web portion with a slot extending therein from one end thereof, a bolt within said slot havingan upturned hook at its outer end, a housing secured to said web within said slot and forming a bearing for said bolt permitting a limited longitudinal movement thereof, and also downward movement into an angularposition where said hook is within the length of said bar, and latch means mounted on said housing for automatically engaging said bolt .when moved from angular to non-angular position and for restraining it in the latter position without interfering with said limited longitudinal movement thereof.

. 14. The construction as in claim 13 including a pair of latch members pivotallyconnected to said housing to extend respectively on opposite sides of said bolt, an operating portion of one of said latch members engaging the other member for simultaneously disengaging the same from said bolt, and resilient means for automatically engaging said latch members with said bolt.

15. A load securing crossbar for the purpose described comprising a metallic beam having a horizontal web portion with a slot extending therein from one end thereof, a bolt within said slot having an upturned hook at its outer end, a housing secured to said web and forming a bearing for. said bolt permitting alimited longitudinal movement thereof, said housing including an end plate bifurcated toembrace said bolt and having a flange extending inward therefrom forming a top bearing for the bolt, a U-shaped member beneath and secured to said. flange to extend on opposite sides of said bolt, the cross bar of the U being beyond the inner end of said flange and put away for the passage of the bolt therethrough, the inner end of said bolt having a head portion for restraining Withdrawal from said housing. while permitting a limited longitudinal movement with respect thereto, a pair of latch hook members pivotally mounted on said plate to extend on opposite sides of said bolt into engagement therewith and to hold the same in horizontal position, and means for operating said latch members to release said bolt permitting the dropping of the same into angular position where said hook is within the length of said bar.

16. A construction as in claim 15 and in which the beam is of Z-bar cross section with the central web thereof extending horizontally.

17. An elongated cargo braceadapted to extend between and be detachably secured in selected openings in opposed wallsof a. vehicle, in-

cluding an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with means adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said wa11s,-the means at one end of said bar beingan element mounted on said bar for both sliding and pivotal movements, said sliding movement being lengthwise of said bar, said pivotal movement being in substantially a vertical plane, said element being provided. at its outer end with a hook shaped portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls, to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, said bar having portions at the top, sides and bottom of saidelement for guiding said element during sliding movement thereof, the portions at the top and bottom of said element being engageable by one or more portions of said element to limit both downward and upward pivotal movement of said element, the portion at the bottom of said element being engageable by a part of said element to limit outward sliding movement of said element, and means operable to hold said element against downward pivotal movement, includinga latch carried by said bar for latching engagement with said element, said latch cooperating with the portion aforesaid at the bottom of said element to assist in the guiding the said element during sliding movement thereof.

18. An elongated cargo brace adapted to extend between and be detachably secured in selected openings in opposedwalls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with means adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, the means at one end of said bar being an element mounted on said bar for both sliding and pivotal movements,

" said sliding movement being lengthwise of said bar, said pivotal movement being in substantially a vertical plane, said element being provided at its outer end with a hook shaped portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, said bar having portions at the top, sides and bottom of said element for guiding said element during sliding movement thereof, the portions at the top and bottom of said element being engageable by one or more portions of said element to limit both downward and upward pivotal movement of said element, and means operable to hold said element against downward pivotal movement, including a latch carried by said bar for latching engagement with said element.

19. An elongated cargo brace adapted to extend between and be detachabl secured in selected openings in opposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with means adapted to be inserted inan opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relative to said walls, the means at one end of said bar being an element mounted on said bar for both sliding and pivotal movements, said sliding movement being lengthwise of said bar, said pivotal movement being in substantially a vertical plane, said element being provided at its outer end with a hook shaped portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support said bar relativeto said walls, said bar having portions at the top, sides and bottom of said element for guiding said element during sliding movement thereof, the portions at the top and bottom of said element being engageable by one or more portions of said element to limit .both downward and upward pivotal movement of said element, the portion at the bottom of said element being engage able by a part of said element to limitoutward sliding movement of said element, and means operable to hold said element against downward pivotal movement, including a latch carried by said bar for latching engagement with said element.

20. Structure as defined in claim 1 comprising a spring biasing said latch toward latching position and retaining said latch in the path of movement of said element from retracted to supporting position, said latch being displaceable by said element upon such movement to effect automatic latching of said element.

21. A cargo brace adapted to extend between and be anchored within a pair of aligned openings provided in spaced apart walls, including an elongated bar, means at opposite ends of said bar engageable in said openings comprising a support element mounted on said bar both for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said bar between supporting and retracted positions relative to an opening in the adjacent wall and for sliding movement longitudinal of said bar, said element having a hook shaped end portion adapted to project through and extend laterally beyond an edge of an opening in the adjacent wall, and a latch carried by said bar and engageable with said element for retaining said element in supporting position relative to said bar.

22. A cargo brace adapted to extend between and be anchored within a pair of aligned openings provided in spaced apart walls, including an elongated bar, means at opposite ends of said bar engageable in said openings comprising an elongated support element mounted on said bar both for bodily pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said bar between supporting and retracted positions relative to an opening in the adjacent wall and for bodily sliding movement longitudinally of said bar, said element having a hook shaped end portion adapted to project through and extend laterally beyond an edge of an opening in the adjacent wall, and a latch carried by said bar and engageable with said element for retaining said element in supporting position relative to said bar.

23. A cargo brace adapted to extend between and be anchored within a pair of aligned openings provided in spaced apart walls, including an elongated bar, said bar having a transverse wall spaced inwardly from one end thereof, said wall having an opening therein, an abutment located above said opening and outwardly thereof, an elongated support element having a hook shaped outer end, a head at its inner end, and an intermediate shank both slidable and swingable in said opening, the head limiting outward sliding movement of said element, and said abutment limiting upward swinging movement of said element.

24. Structure as defined in claim 23 in which said abutment serves as the top closure of said opening and the inner edge of said abutment is located outwardly from said transverse wall, said head being engageable with the bottom edge of said opening and with the inner edge of said abutment to limit downward swinging movement of said element when in its outermost position.

25. An elongated cargo brace adapted to ex tend between and be detachably secured in selected openings in opposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with an element having a hook shaped portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support the bar relative to said walls, said element being mounted on said bar for both bodily sliding movement longitudinally of said bar and bodily swinging movement, and means cooperating with said elements to hold said bar in anchored and supported relation to said opposed walls, including spring biased movable latches carried by said bar adjacent the ends thereof and engageable respectively with said elements, said latches comprising a pair of members at opposite sides of said element pivoted to swing on said bar in planes transverse thereto and including hooks shaped to engage beneath said element.

26. An elongated cargo brace adapted to extend between and be detachably secured in selected openings in opposed walls of a vehicle, including an elongated bar provided at each end thereof with an element having a hook shaped portion adapted to be inserted in an opening in one of said walls to anchor and support the bar relative to said walls, said element being mounted on said bar for both bodily sliding movement longitudinally of said bar and bodily swinging movement, and means cooperating with said elements to hold said bar in anchored and supported relation to said opposed walls, including spring biased movable latches carried by said bar adjacent the ends thereof and engageable respectively with said elements, said latches comprising a pair of members at opposite sides of said element pivoted to swing on said bar in planes transverse thereto and including hooks shaped to engage beneath said element, one of said members having an operating arm thereon for swinging said member to release said element, and cooperating means on said members effective to swing said other member to release position upon corresponding movement of said one member. GERALD D. STOUGH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: 

